Question for Sanders, Clinton, Chaffee and Webb supporters:

[elleng]

have you read ANYTHING about Martin O'Malley?

If not, please DO. There really is NO EXCUSE to remain ignorant.

FIVE Important Reasons You Should Consider Voting For Martin O'Malley
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251488948

Learn all about him here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281

[peacebird]

1. Thanks, I did read the 5 reasons OP earlier.

[elleng]

6. Good.

Thanks, peacebird.

[Armstead]

2. We're all too busy digging in our heels

Sorry. Only kidding.

[elleng]

4. Yup, seems that's what lemmings do.

Funny, I didn't even KNOW lemmings have heels!

[FSogol]

3. Make them take their medicine, Ellen.

[elleng]

5. Doing my best!

[bahrbearian]

7. I could easily vote for Martin

Hillary not so much.

[djean111]

8. Gee, I guess being called an ignorant lemming is a wee bit better than being called a cockroach.

I do think DU is more of a gathering place for supporters, not recruiters.
I save my recruiting for Bernie for family and friends and acquaintances and people I meet.

I believe everyone here already has made a choice. No, I don't believe those who sneeringly say they liked Bernie until his supporters soured them. That one has been upgraded to disliking his supporters, but that somehow inspired them to read more about Bernie, and THEN dislike him. But whatever. I don't care.

Anyway, I think the HRC and Bernie fans have been dug in with our ignorant little lemming heels for quite some time, time and money have been invested, and O'M joined the party a little late for a large part of DU. I do think he will be looked at more carefully if Bernie or HRC somehow implode.

Oh, and I have been informed that even the most substantial and detailed plans will never make it through the GOP Congress. I think that is true for the most part.

[RufusTFirefly]

9. I'm not an O'Malley supporter, but he's been on my radar for quite some time

Especially his positions on the death penalty, immigration, and same-sex marriage.

(I have some family members in Maryland.)

I'm still predicting that following Hillary's inevitable crash and burn that the DNC will look to O'Malley to salvage its presidential hopes.

Biden, like Clinton, has cast some of the same wrong votes. The fact that O'Malley is a relative unknown could actually work in his and our party's favor.

I'm a Sanders supporter, but in all honesty, I think he'd have a harder time luring away O'Malley supporters than Clinton or Biden ones.

By the same token, I'm guessing that many Sanders supporters might not even require a clothespin if they had to vote for O'Malley.

[Ed Suspicious]

10. I support Sanders, I like O'Malley as my second favorite candidate and will have zero trouble

pulling the lever for him if need be. His tough on crime stuff is not exactly to my liking, but I think he's a good guy and a worthy candidate.

[elleng]

12. Ed, check him out on 'crime' now:

This article provides a brief discussion:

http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/08/02/martin-omalley-calls-for-criminal-justice-overhaul-amid-racial-tensions/

[elleng]

11. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis, RufusTFirefly.

DNC SHOULD look to O'Malley, as he's a 'certified' Democrat (I DON'T mean to cast asparagus at Sanders but facts is facts, and the consequences are significant.

As to luring away others' supporters, Sanders and O'Malley are very close, maybe identical on most/many issues, and hrc not at all. I have some serious problems with her, so while she'd get my vote in the 'General,' NOT in a primary. Biden's better in that respect, imo, and Sanders my #2.

and no reason AT ALL for Sanders supporters to find need for clothespin re: O'Malley.

[Skwmom]

13. Sorry but I want a proven track record

that supports the political speeches and positions. Otherwise, it's nothing but a bunch of noise.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

[elleng]

14. Track record is EXACTLY what Martin O'Malley provides,

which is WHY I support him:

1. Ended death penalty in Maryland
2. Prevented fracking in Maryland and put regulations in the way to prevent next GOP Gov Hogan fom easily allowing fracking.
3. Provided health insurance for 380,000
4. Reduced infant mortality to an all time low.
5. Provided meals to thousands of hungry children and moved toward a goal for eradicating childhood hunger.
6. Enacted a $10.10 living wage and a $11. minimum wage for State workers.
7. Supporter the Dream Act
8. Cut income taxes for 86% of Marylanders (raised taxes on the rich).
9. Reformed Maryland’s tax code to make it more progressive.
10. Enacted some of the nation’s most comprehensive reforms to protect homeowners from foreclosure.

Mother Jones magazine called him the best candidate on environmental issues.
Article here:
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/martin-omalley-longshot-presidential-candidate-and-real-climate-hawk

He has substantial experience implementing his positions.
More here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1281

The 'noise' to which you refer can be found elsewhere.

[Scuba]

16. Convince me the link below goes to a concocted story and I'll start reading about him ...

http://www.ontheissues.org/2016/Martin_O%60Malley_Principles_+_Values.htm

Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism.

O`Malley adopted the manifesto, "A New Politics for a New America":

As New Democrats, we believe in a Third Way that rejects the old left-right debate and affirms America’s basic bargain: opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and community of all.

[elleng]

17. Do with it what you will.

First:

Source: The Hyde Park Declaration 00-DLC0 on Aug 1, 2000

Second: affirms America’s basic bargain: opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and community of all.

Third: If you have to be CONVINCED to START READING about him, you are not serious.

[winter is coming]

20. +1. "Third Way" is a deal-breaker. n/t

[winter is coming]

21. And the minute you associated O'Malley with Third Way, the thread dropped like a rock.

Funny that.

[elleng]

28. NOT 'funny,' imo,

that DUers can't/don't do their own reading and make up their own minds!

[Raine1967]

29. I'm kicking it.

because a fellow Dem is not third way, not is he DLC.

He's a good member of the party. HE's been a member of our party long before anyone wanted to talk about the DLC or Third way and he is not a part of either.

HE worked to get senator Mikulski the first time around and his mother works for her to this day.

[bigtree]

54. definitely not dropping

...so much for the bugaboos.

[NCTraveler]

22. "and I'll start reading about him ..."

One hundred percent backs up what many of us have been saying. And not about O'Malley.

[Raine1967]

24. HE's not DLC or third way.

he a fully dyed in the wool democrat.

I understand the connection but I am not ready to say he is third way when so many of those ideas are also ideas that Sanders supports. It's been posted many time stat he actually did spoeak at a DLC conference, and it has also been posted that he chose not to join that group.

I would like a further link beyond what this page is saying.

He's not DLC and he is not third way. He is a democrat running for the nomination. To be really honest, he is fare more closely aligned politically with Sanders than Clinton.

If you want to be convinced, please take a look at his legislative record.

One of the biggest things for me was that he abolished the death penally in Maryland.

[elleng]

25. He is far more closely aligned politically with Sanders than Clinton

and DUers should WAKE UP to that!

[jfern]

68. I think a lot of us Sanders supporters are aware

He's my 2nd choice if anything happens to Sanders.

[FSogol]

32. Here's what the Hyde Park Declaration says. Let me know what you disagree with

We believe:
that government’s proper role in the New Economy is to equip working Americans with new tools for economic success and security.

in expanding trade and investment because we must be a party of economic progress, not economic reaction.

that fiscal discipline is fundamental to sustained economic growth as well as responsible government.

that a progressive tax system is the only fair way to pay for government.

the Democratic Party’s mission is to expand opportunity, not government.

that education must be America’s great equalizer, and we will not abandon our public schools or tolerate their failure.

that all Americans must have access to health insurance.

in preventing crime and punishing criminals.

in a new social compact that requires and rewards work in exchange for public assistance and that ensures that no family with a full-time worker will live in poverty.

that public policies should reinforce marriage, promote family, demand parental responsibility, and discourage out-of-wedlock births.

in enhancing the role that civic entrepreneurs, voluntary groups, and religious institutions play in tackling America’s social ills.

in strengthening environmental protection by giving communities the flexibility to tackle new challenges that cannot be solved with top-down mandates.

government must combat discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation; defend civil liberties; and stay out of our private lives.

that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare.

in progressive internationalism -- the bold exercise of US leadership to foster peace, prosperity, and democracy.

that the US must maintain a strong, technologically superior defense to protect our interests and values.

Spare us your Third-Way boogeymen. This is pretty much the Democratic Party platform circa 2000. What is objectionable here?

[elleng]

43. THANKS, FSogol.

NOTHING there!!!

[elleng]

19. He's focusing on all the right issues,

Turchinsky, but supporting him doesn't provide the drama that focusing on Sanders and HRC does; he's merely highly capable with expansive experience and excellent PLANS! Media can't take it.

He's focusing on early caucus/primary states, getting well KNOWN where it matters to accumulate voting supporters, NOT betting that his name alone, or huge crowds, will do it for him.

When he's seen head to head in debates, similar to the Iowa Dem Party Dinner, he'll be noticed, as he was then.

[Metric System]

23. I'm a Hillary supporter but I will gladly rec this thread.

[elleng]

26. Thanks, Metric.

[Scootaloo]

27. Wait, there are Chaffee supporters on DU?

Can I see a show of hands? I want to meet you guys!

Ahem.

EllenG, yup, i've been reading about O'Malley, and i like his angles. I just happen to like sanders more. But if O'Malley pulls an upset, it won't bother me, and i'd be happy to vote for him too

[FSogol]

34. There is a Chafee group, but it was requested by a DU'er that "felt sorry" for Chafee.

No one has felt sorry for Webb and if Chafee can't attract a DU'er named Metric System, how much hope does he have?

[restorefreedom]

58. it might be show of hand

i think he is still polling at 0%.

[aikoaiko]

30. I have to break my association with him to Mayor Thomas 'Tommy' Carcetti.

Its a stupid bias, but I can't quite shake it, yet.

[elleng]

31. IF you're serious, PLEASE break it

and inform yourself.

IF joking,

[aikoaiko]

33. Mostly joking, but I have to admit I learned of O'M thru The Wire

and that portrayal and his inspiration for it (so the writer claims) really colored my view of O'M for years.

But intellectually I know to look at his record, his rhetoric, and his results.

I can quibble with a few things here and there, but he is a good Democrat.

[elleng]

37. Thanks, and imo he's a great Democrat.

I never watched the show.

[FSogol]

36. LOL. n/t

[oasis]

35. Glowing credentials. The potential for greatness in the Democratic Party.

[elleng]

38. ABSOLUTELY!

[BainsBane]

39. Emphasis on potential

Perhaps a future election. I don't think it's his time yet.

[kenfrequed]

40. Hmm...

If Sanders wasn't running, O'Malley would certainly be a second choice.

But, I already have a candidate that is correct on all the issues and frequently a decade or more ahead of his time. I get supporting O'Malley, I just think that Sanders is better on the issues.

[elleng]

41. I don't know of an issue on which Sanders is better than O'Malley AND

Governor O'Malley accomplished MUCH in his years as chief executive officer in MD, mayor and governor, AND he has spelled out PLANS NOW to address critical issues, different from other candidates.

[kenfrequed]

42. Uhm...

You aren't going to convince me with bold font.

I know you are under seige and one of the few O'Malley supporters here and, having long been a supporter of progressive candidates that had to struggle a lot, you have my sympathy and my solidarity. But, Bernie has a record stretching back decades as a legislator that fought the good fight every time whether or not victory was possible or certain. He is absolutely solid on policy proposals and put out many of those proposals before O'Malley did.

I told you he was my second choice and I have no idea why that isn't good enough for you.

If you told me Sanders was your back-up plan I would be happy with that.

[elleng]

44. I didn't 'bold' the font, kenfrequed, DU did!

Bernie surely has a record as a legislator, and is solid on policy proposals historically. O'Malley has a record of accomplishments as an executive, similar to the role he's seeking, and has fashioned proposals for the future.

[FSogol]

45. One of the few O'Malley supporters? Under siege? No way, we are mighty and plan on winning.

OM'G!

[kenfrequed]

46. Sorry if I offended

But ell has been holding down the fort for O'Malley pretty hard core and is wildly active for him here. I almost forgot about you. I do wish you the best of luck and if Bernie drops I will be happily joining you. Hopefully you will consider Bernie if O'Malley drops.

[elleng]

48. Thanks, ken,

I appreciate the acknowledgment. My compatriots were on vacay, and as I'm retired I'm ALWAYS on vacay!!!

and yes, as for me, bernie if MO'M 'drops,' which we don't expect.

[elleng]

50. OM'G!!!

[malokvale77]

47. Yes...

I tend to read about all the candidates.

Martin O'Malley is my second choice.

[elleng]

49. I'm glad you read about them all.

[guillaumeb]

51. This particular lemming was quite pleased to read about O'Malley's positions.

Thanks for the question and the post.

But his ambitious plan can only be implemented if the Democratic turnout is large enough to sweep in a wave of progressive-Democratic officeholders in both houses of Congress.

THAT is the huge first step.

[elleng]

53. That IS a huge first step, Bill,

but a good amount of his plans rely on the Executive's authority. As to a wave of Dem officeholders, that'll only likely come after the next census unless the Stars really are Aligned properly SOON!

[bigtree]

52. thanks for this thread, elleng

...no reason not to appeal strongly for support for this worthy candidate who has accomplished so many of our progressive ideals and initiatives in my state and put real action behind his political rhetoric.

We need Martin O'Malley on the national stage.

Listen to this man reaching out like Woody Guthrie as he brings his advocacy to America's Caribbean territory:

watch/listen: https://twitter.com/MartinOMalley/status/628292539758436356

[elleng]

55. This is GREAT, bigtree,

and this thread was inspired, of course, by YOUR big thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251488948

[bigtree]

61. You are inspiring us with your enthusiasm for candidate O'Malley

...it's difficult, I know, to keep your head up and keep pushing against the odds this candidacy faces in this election, but Martin O'Malley makes it easy to support and advocate for him. He's a kind and decent man with great ideas for moving the nation to our progressive future. Thank you for reaching out here for support!

[elleng]

63. And YOU, bigtree, are one of the sources for MY inspiration!

[FSogol]

66. I agree. n/t

[Peacetrain]

56. Really great thread elleng

Thank you!!

[elleng]

57. Thanks, Peacetrain.

Got people thinking and talking!

[Peacetrain]

59. Most important thing anyone can do..

[restorefreedom]

60. k and r

I think it's important that we know as much as we can about all of the candidates. Not just for the primary season but for the general election. O'Malley is great and if he is the nominee I will happily vote for him.

[ms liberty]

62. I like him best after Bernie. He's got some good ideas.

I am looking forward to hearing more from him over the course of the primaries.

[elleng]

64. Listen to him here, ms liberty,

and look forward to debates.

[ms liberty]

65. Thanks, elleng! n/t

[oasis]

67. Kick

[jfern]

69. I'm a Sanders supporter

but I recced the thread since discussions about issues are important.

[elleng]

70. Thanks

[Raine1967]

71. SERIOUS APPRECIATION FOR YOU ELLEG!

Yes, I made it all caps on purpose.

And yes I appreciate you and all you do to advocate for Martin O'Malley!

[elleng]

72. Thanks, Raine!